Helpful Links

Texas Health and Human Resources

Texas Health and Human Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services mission is to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Texans through good stewardship of public resources, and a focus on core public health functions. The department also provides state-operated health care services, including hospitals, health centers, and health agencies. learn more

The Texas Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section is to provide public health leadership, effectively respond to all types of health emergencies, and improve health and well-being in Texas through networking, coordinating, standardizing, and centralizing our resources and planning efforts across the state.

The Infectious Disease Control Unit (IDCU) is responsible for assisting local or regional public health officials in investigating outbreaks of acute infectious disease or any report of isolated cases of rare or unusual disease. The Unit is composed of two branches; The Emerging & Acute Infectious Disease Branch (EAIDB) and the Zoonosis Control Branch (ZCB).

TexasFlu.org encourages people not to wait to protect themselves and their family from the flu by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.It is particularly important for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions, because people in those groups are at a greater risk of severe complications if they do get the flu.

Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation by contacting the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) toll-free at 1-800-252-5400, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide, or report with their secure website and get a response within 24 hours.

When you call 2-1-1 Disaster Assistance, you’ll have the choice of several options:

  • Option 1
    • Answers general assistance questions and operates year round
  • Option 2
    • Questions about SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and CHIP
    • Information about the current SNAP food waivers related to Harvey

Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening, emergency situations.

Community Resources

Mid-Cities Medical has partnered with local, regional and national providers to assist individuals in identifying and overcoming barriers in order to live the life they choose. The following contact information is a system of human and social services agencies guided by the vision that individuals must have services and supports to meet your individual strengths, abilities, priorities, and needs.

Useful Links

speak up

The goal of the Joint Commission’s Speak Up patient safety program is to help patients and their advocates become active in their care. Since the program launched in March 2002, it has reached people in more than 70 countries and received numerous awards.

Speak Up can be shared with all patients, regardless of age or reading ability, since the infographics are easy-to-read, and animated videos are available as well.

PACT Act

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, adding to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans, and their survivors, with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. learn more

You can also call (800) 698-2411 (TTY: 711) or file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. learn more

Call 1-800-273-825, text 838255 or email confidentialchat@veteranscrisisline.net

HICPAC is a federal advisory committee appointed to provide advice and guidance to DHHS and CDC regarding the practice of infection control and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance and related events in United States healthcare settings. learn more

Buy Veteran is a national campaign to bring the success and momentum of the National Veteran Business Movement to all of America’s 3 million veteran-owned businesses, and is your one-stop shop to find everyday, “Main Street,” consumer-facing veteran-owned businesses in your area. learn more

Thank you for your service. The VA wants to bring attention to all Veterans what choices they have, and the full range of benefits and services they have access to when they ChooseVA. Sign-up to receive the ChooseVA e-newsletter or other VA updates, watch our videos, listen to our Vets and employees, and discover why Veterans ChooseVA.

Want to receive the ChooseVA newsletter or other VA updates? Sign-up today!

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) created Smokefree.gov to help you or someone you care about quit smoking. Smokefree.gov is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to reduce smoking rates in the United States, particularly among certain populations.

Questions? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669, or email NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov

Practicing hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent infections. Cleaning your hands can prevent the spread of germs, including those that are resistant to antibiotics and are becoming difficult, if not impossible, to treat. On average, healthcare providers clean their hands less than half of the times they should. On any given day, about one in 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. learn more